An internal diplomatic cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed the United States, which has already barred entry for citizens from 12 countries, was considering expanding travel restrictions to the 36 countries, including three Pacific Island states, Reuters and other media reported last month.
The news had caused significant concern in Tuvalu, whose population of 11,000 is at risk from rising sea levels, and where a third of residents have applied to an Australian ballot for a landmark climate migration visa.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tuvalu's government said it had not received any formal notification that it was on the list, and had also been assured by the United States embassy in Fiji it was “an error within the system”.
It added Tuvalu was seeking a “formal written confirmation to that effect and continues to engage the U.S. Government to ensure Tuvaluans are not unfairly affected”.
“The Department of State and other U.S. government agencies assess other countries’ security capabilities; information-sharing and identity management practices; exploitation of the U.S. visa system, such as overstay rates; and failure to facilitate the repatriation of their removable nationals,“ a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Suva said.
A U.S. official familiar with visa policy who is not authorized to speak publicly told Reuters “no decisions have been made, and any speculation is premature”.
The other Pacific Islands listed in the cable were Vanuatu and Tonga.
Vanuatu's government did not respond to a request for comment.
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